Bernice M. Smith

Bernice M. Smith, 85, Allouez, entered her heavenly home with Jesus on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 with family by her side. She was born to the late Frank and Kristine (Piron) Kolb on March 28th, 1934 in Green Bay, WI.
Bernice attended school at St. Mathew Elementary, East High, and then worked at the A&W Carhop and Newman’s Department Store. On September 17th, 1955, Bernice married her best friend and middle school sweetheart, Donald R. Smith. Together, they raised three children and dedicated their time to travel, camping, church, volunteering in the community, and gardening. Once the children were grown, she spent much of her time doing what she loved which was gardening and volunteering.
She worked at Schroeder’s flowers for many years, Tillman’s Landscaping, and then at the Green Bay Country Club while also taking care of plants in private homes and businesses. She loved dedicating her time and skills to helping the community and making everything around her beautiful. She volunteered with Friends of the Brown County Library, Weidner Center, spent time helping her friends at Mayflower Greenhouse, attending classes at Swanstone Gardens and was a long-time member of the Green Bay Botanical Gardens and Green and Gold Hosta Society. She was honored with an award by the Allouez Beautification Committee and was featured in a Green Bay Botanical Gardens Walk, for her work building spectacular gardens at her Allouez home.
Bernice also loved time with her church family planting and tending to gardens as the Outdoor Director, attending bible study, bible breakfast and playing bunko. Bernice was a true example of being present in the lives of the ones she loved. She never missed a birthday party, graduation, wedding, sporting game, funeral or any party. She most enjoyed giving gifts to others whether it was the best Christmas gift, plant, book or puzzle for a friend. Her recent move to Age Well, illustrated the huge impact she had on all around her with her beautiful flowers and close relationships with all her fellow residents. Her energy and faith in Jesus Christ is an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 64 years Donald; children Scott (Joann) Smith, Kevin (Cyndee Sweetland) Smith, Julie Stedl; grandchildren, Kristy (Dillon) Maney, Brian Smith, Carrie soon-to-be grandson Ross Peters) Smith, Jared (Cara) Stedl, Shantel Stedl; great-grandchildren, Olivia Stedl, Isabella Stedl, Braydon Maney, Chandler Maney and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harvey Kolb; sister, Katherine (Kolb) Verhaag and son-in-law, Roger Stedl.
Family and friends may visit at Faith Lutheran Church, 2335 S. Webster Ave. Allouez, on Friday, September 20, from 9:00 am until 10:45 am. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am with the Rev. Joshua Errer officiating. Cotter Funeral Home and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
A special thank you to the amazing staff at Bellin Hospital and Age Well Center for Life Enrichment for helping Bernice during her last days. A memorial fund has been established in Bernice’s name.